First Impressions

The first question that pops up in my mind while reading To Kill a Mockingbird is why Scout refers to her father as Atticus. In the alluring pages of the 1^st Perennial Classics version of Harper Lee’s only novel, one can find Scout —for the most part— respectful and benevolent to the citizens of Maycomb, Alabama. Being able to call her father by his first name may be part of Maycomb’s homely culture, but I find it ironic how Scout can refer to Atticus as “Sir” and the next minute “Atticus”.

My question was possibly answered on page 21, when Scout tells Miss Caroline Fisher, “‘Jem says my name’s really Jean Louise Bullfinch, that I got swapped when I was born and I’m really a—’” (19). The possibility of Scout being adopted by Atticus could be the reason why Jem and Scout call their father by his name. Although, Scout claims that their mother died when she was two years old, possibly out ruling the fact that she was adopted.

The Southern setting of Maycomb, Alabama reminds me of Eatonville, Florida, the setting of Zora Neale Hurston’s famous novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Both of these towns share common Southern culture (although each town additionally has its own unique culture), and both take place in the early twentieth century. Both novels share common subjects of a young woman’s growing up, interactions between blacks and whites, and the shared use of Southern dialect. The main difference between these two works, in my opinion, is the point of view. To Kill a Mockingbird is told from a white person’s point of view in a segregated community, while Their Eyes Are Watching God is told from the black point of view. Even though, both novels show a theme of common culture between the white and black communities.

What would a book be without romance? As soon as Dill (Charles Baker Harris) was introduced into the plot, I immediately noted my prediction of a future relationship between Scout and him. My prediction was right, proven when Scout says, “I was miserable without him” (17), and when she tells the readers, “He had asked me earlier in the summer to marry him” (46). Later in the story, Dill kisses Scout, proving my prediction even more correct. However, I question the authenticity of their “love” because of Scout’s lack of affection and Dill’s lack of closeness with her.

The pages of crisp imagery and elaborate description of the Radley Place and its residents throughout the first chapter clearly foreshadow the significance of the house in the future.

I enjoy the narration and point of view in this novel because Lee’s choice of a young narrator allows readers to experience and witness Scout’s realizations and her maturing mentality and temperament.

Being in the midst of Chapter 9, I look forward to what other events unfold in Maycomb.